Renard admits Mexico deserved victory as Saudi Arabia make exit

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Renard admits Mexico deserved victory as Saudi Arabia make exit

Lusail: Herve Renard admitted the better team won as Saudi Arabia exited the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after a 2-1 defeat to Mexico on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia went into their final Group C tie at the Lusail Stadium knowing a win would take them into the knockout stage but found Mexico too hot to handle as they ended their campaign with three points.

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Mexico end Saudi Arabia's campaign

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Mexico end Saudi Arabia's campaign

Lusail: Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign was brought to an end at the Lusail Stadium after a 2-1 defeat to  Mexico in their final Group C match on Wednesday.

With both teams needing a win to guarantee they remained in the mix for progression to the round of 16, a depleted and injury-stricken Saudi Arabia lost footing under constant attacks from Mexico which eventually were converted into goals. 

There was, however, heartbreak for Mexico as they missed out on a place in the knockout stage with Poland - despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Argentina - finished second on goal difference to advance. 

Argentina turn on the power in the second half to advance

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Argentina turn on the power in the second half to advance

Doha: Lionel Messi had a penalty saved but Argentina still advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as Group C winners after a 2-0 victory over Poland on Wednesday.

Poland also went through as runners-up although a 2-1 win for Mexico over Saudi Arabia in the group's other game meant Czeslaw Michniewicz's side advanced only on goal difference.

Alexis Mac Allister's 46th-minute goal settled Argentina's nerves after a tense first half, before Julian Alvarez doubled their lead just over 20 minutes later.

'Home ground' experience took Australia through, says Arnold

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

'Home ground' experience took Australia through, says Arnold

Doha: Graham Arnold credited Australia’s extensive experience of the Qatari conditions for his side’s 1-0 victory over Denmark on Wednesday that moved the Socceroos into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Mathew Leckie’s solo effort with an hour on the clock was the difference between the teams and the win sealed the runners-up berth in Group D for the Australians, taking the team through to the next phase for the first time since 2006 with two-time champions Argentina awaiting.
 
The win was Australia’s latest in Qatar after playing in the country during the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar™ before securing their place at the Finals in a pair of playoffs against the United Arab Emirates and Peru that were hosted in Doha in June.

Preview - Group E: Japan v Spain

Fri, 02 Dec, 2022

Preview - Group E: Japan v Spain

Doha: Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda will be looking to push aside the disappointment of the Samurai Blue’s surprise loss against Costa Rica to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with victory over Spain when the nations meet on Thursday.

The Japanese have three points from their opening two games after claiming an impressive 2-1 win over Germany only to slip to the 1-0 loss against Costa Rica when victory would have sealed them a spot in the Round of 16.
 
Defeat against the Costa Ricans was greeted with despair among Japanese fans and the fate of Hajime Moriyasu’s team now hangs in the balance going into the game at Khalifa International Stadium.

Spain won't count chickens, must beat Japan: Luis Enrique

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Spain won't count chickens, must beat Japan: Luis Enrique

Doha: Luis Enrique said Spain will not count their chickens before they are hatched when they face Japan on Thursday, aiming to win and qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 knockout phase.

La Roja are top of Group E on four points and are guaranteed to progress with a draw, but are aiming for all three points at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

Japan dangerman Kamada struggling to find form

Doha: Daichi Kamada was expected to be Japan's star man at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but the forward has flopped so far and he faces a huge test against Spain on Thursday.

Kamada has made a big impact since joining German side Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the Europa League last season and scoring 12 goals in all competitions so far this term.

The 26-year-old has found success at his first FIFA World Cup harder to come by, despite playing in Japan's stunning 2-1 opening win over Germany.

'Injustice' fires up 'sorry' Son and Korea Republic

Wed, 30 Nov, 2022

'Injustice' fires up 'sorry' Son and Korea Republic

Doha: A "united" Korea Republic will be fired up by a burning sense of injustice when they face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Friday as they fight to keep their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign alive.

Head coach Paulo Bento and his players were left fuming at the conclusion of Monday's 3-2 defeat to Ghana after English referee Anthony Taylor blew the final whistle before they could take a corner.

The defeat, having stormed back from 2-0 down before Mohammed Kudus's 68th-minute winner for Ghana, left Son Heung-min's side on the brink of elimination ahead of their final Group H game against Portugal.